Drugs, Cash, Loaded Handgun Confiscated

The Santa Barbara Police Department said it had arrested three gang members after a two-month investigation.

Sergio Sanchez and Aaron Nevarez, both age 19, were arrested, as well as an 18-year-old man who was wanted for a violation of juvenile probation. The arrests took place on Aug. 29th on the 1200 block of Punta Gorda St., in Santa Barbara. Narcotic detectives served a search warrant on the home of Sanchez, where they found approximately 2.2 ounces of cocaine, 1.5 ounces of methamphetamine, $13,000.00 in cash, and a loaded .22-caliber handgun, police said.

"It makes an impact because we have a gang problem here in Santa Barbara," said Sgt. Riley Harwood. "It's significant because he was a drug dealer who had possession of a gun, and that is something that we take very seriously."

Sanchez and Nevarez were booked into Santa Barbara County Jail, while the 18-year-old was sent to Juvenile Hall for violation of probation.